Photo Camp: Pine Ridge, South Dakota 2009

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Wall Mural

Photograph by Shianne Dillon

Along the southwestern border of South Dakota is one of the most poverty-stricken places in the United States—the Pine Ridge Reservation, home of the Oglala Lakota people. In September 2009, for the second year in a row, National Geographic Photo Camp traveled to Pine Ridge to partner with the SuAnne Big Crow Boys and Girls Club. For five days, photographer Lynn Johnson and Photo Camp volunteers worked with young people on the reservation, encouraging them to see their surroundings in a new light. The photos in this gallery were all taken by students.

Here, a muralist works in the afternoon sun in the center of Pine Ridge.

Decorated Tree

Photograph by Brad Little Moon

Colorful ribbons and a bison head adorn a traditional sun dance tree.

Little Foot

Photograph by Jason Two Bulls

Steadying his young son on his shoulders, a father answers questions in an interview with Photo Camp students. He spoke of his passion for restitution and respect for his fellow Lakota, and for his love and dedication to his family.

Tattoo

Photograph by Jason Two Bulls

Photo Camp teachers simplify the learning process for new photography students by giving assignments for portraits, scene-setters, and details. Here, Jason captures a detail—an aspect of this man’s persona that may help the viewer understand more about him.

Clothesline

Photograph by Shaina Big Crow

In some areas of the reservation it feels like a ghost town. In other areas, it feels as though there’s not enough space for all.

Window View

Photograph by Taneesha Good Lance

There’s no shortage of abandoned buildings on the reservation.

Tepees at Wounded Knee

Photograph by Shelly Jack

Tepees stand outside the visitor center at Wounded Knee—the site of the 1890 massacre.

Horses

Photograph by Brad Little Moon

Domesticated horses graze along a dirt road outside of the town center. There are those on the reservation trying to revive and honor traditional culture that thrived alongside these animals.

Sunflowers

Photograph by Jason Two Bulls

The extreme weather and poor soil on the reservation has left generations of Lakota without the option for mass agriculture; sunflowers seem to thrive here, however. In the late summer, fields of sunflowers bloom before harvest. The seeds are usually processed for sunflower seed oil.

Pine Ridge Reservation

Photograph by Shaina Big Crow

Photo Camp students were asked to look past the poverty, pain, and violence in their lives and find the beauty around them.